Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

- Academic performance in year 12 studies or in subsequent tertiary studies as provided through QTAC.
- The written component of the application form.
- Demonstration at the interview of attributes suited to a career in medicine.

ATAR: 95+ (Postgraduate applicants are recommended to have a GPA of 5.75 and above)
Note: a Prediction of Academic Achievement form must be received by the due date otherwise your application can be voided. The due date can change slightly each year and students must check this on the JCU website (usually early October).

Subject prerequisites: English; Maths B; Chemistry, Also, applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3b – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. Students also need to take note that in accordance with the National Registration Board’s requirement, they must hold a valid IELTS (academic module) minimum score of 7.0 in all components within 2 years prior to applying for registration. 

Application: JCU has a two-step application process for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery:

1. Apply online at QTAC’s website by 30th September
2. Submit a written application form directly to JCU by 30th September

Interview: A limited number of applicants will be invited for a medical interview. Selection of applicants to be interviewed will be based on an evaluation of the application together with all available information regarding academic performance.

JCU Medical Interview questions assess your communication and critical analytical skills, advocacy and ethical reasoning, empathetic reasoning, teamwork and collaboration skills, knowledge about tropical medicine, motivation to pursue medicine, and understanding of rural and remote health issues. James Cook University medical interviews are highly competitive and are conducted in two rounds. The final offers are based on your ATAR and application/interview performance.

James Cook University (JCU) medicine & Dentistry interview dates:

JCU normally conducts two rounds of interviews as follows

Round 1: Email notification of invitation to attend the interview is emailed early to mid-November. The interview process will be conducted from late November to early December.
Round 2: Email notification of invitation to attend interview is emailed in late December. The interview process will be conducted in very early January.
The final offers are released via QTAC by mid-January.